In line with the objectives of the #ACCESS project, an expert consultation was held on 4 March 2026 in Tata, on the first day of the international conference “Invasive alien species in the Danube Region – invasions of regional significance.” with the participation of researchers, competent authorities and policymakers from Danube Basin countries. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the national coordination of the Danube Strategy and Priority Area 6. CESCI was represented by Dr Katalin Fekete, legal advisor.

At the meeting, experts reviewed the current status of the spread of invasive alien plant and animal species, as well as the challenges facing countries in the region with regard to biodiversity conservation.

Invasive alien species – such as certain fast-spreading plants or non-native aquatic organisms – pose a serious threat to native ecosystems, can cause economic damage, and may lead to long-term habitat change. A main aim of the consultation was to explore opportunities for regional cooperation.

Because waters and habitats are transboundary, effective management of invasive alien species requires coordinated action. Participants therefore discussed joint monitoring systems, data-sharing mechanisms, and the harmonisation of legal and regulatory frameworks.

A key topic was the practical implementation of the EU regulatory framework (Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014). In cross-border contexts, early detection, rapid response, risk assessment and appropriate management can face legal and administrative barriers, making a shared interpretation and harmonised approaches particularly important. Participants also reviewed tools to strengthen information exchange, including NOTiSYS, the official platform through which Member States report new detections and related measures and feed information back into shared databases.

Conference participants emphasised that close cooperation between scientific research and lawmaking is essential for developing effective measures. Further expert dialogues and joint projects may follow within the framework of the Danube Strategy, with the aim of preserving the region’s natural assets and curbing the spread of invasive alien species.